KUALA LUMPUR: The many people who knew Datuk Dr Firdaus Abdullah could testify to his passion for knowledge, particularly literature and language.
It comes as no surprise that even in his twilight years, the former Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) director-general would not stop reading.
"He was a scholar through and through," Falahi Sarisatriya Firdaus, the former senator's only son said.
"He has always had a love for language, particularly in upholding the sanctity of Bahasa Melayu," he told the New Straits Times after laying his father to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Jalan Ampang.
Firdaus, 78, succumbed to cancer earlier today after a brief battle with the disease.
As a father, Falahi said Firdaus was strict but very loving.
Firdaus's wife, Norsihar Jamaludin said her husband, a former Berita Harian journalist in the 1960s, also loved writing.
"He loved being a journalist," she said, adding Firdaus would often reminisce about his time as a journalist.
He would speak fondly about working journalism legends like Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail and the jokes they shared," she said.
Firdaus zeal for writing did not stop after he left journalism.
He consistently produced articles for DBP and penned poems, which he has always loved.
In August last year, Firdaus even published a book on Malay politics titled "Antara yang dikendong dengan yang dikejar".
Firdaus' eldest child, Amira Sariyati Firdaus, said her father's book collection was a testament to his thirst for knowledge.
He had almost 1,000 books and he donated many of them to Universiti Malaya (UM) where he started his career as an assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Administration in 1971.
Firdaus also donated his books to other educational institutions to encourage the habit of reading.
Amira said her father had an impact on many people and that she was touched by those who came to visit him as he battled cancer.
"There was a couple, one who had worked closely with my father when he was still with UM, they were so gentle and respectful when speaking to my father during his last days.
Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, a long-time friend of Firdaus said his passing was a great loss.
"He was an intellectual, a thinker, an outstanding poet, a born-writer and linguist."
Annuar said Firdaus always knew the right words to use and that he was very thorough in his work.
He also described Firdaus as a nationalist with a very sharp, analytical mind.
Firdaus, who held a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in political science from Columbia University, United States, also served as UM deputy vice-chancellor.
He leaves behind Norishar, Falahi, Amira, and two other children Titahkhalissah Sariyati Firdaus and Dininasihah Sariyati Firdaus, as well as five grandchildren.
